Q: I see that my software application is using SCSI Pass Through Direct (SPTD) layer. What is this for? Can my software application work without it?

A: SPTD is a new method of access to storage devices that was developed by Duplex Secure Ltd.

Basically SPTD is similar to other access layers used by other programs (eg. ASPI from Adaptec, or standard SPTI from Microsoft) who provide access to storage devices but it has a lot more features that make this interface unique.

The key feature of SPTD is its ability to provide direct control of devices without risk of compromising it by some malicious 3rd party filter drivers or other "rootkit" applications that are common today - this is the main goal of SPTD development for organizations and applications where it currently used.

If SPTD is bundled with your application then most likely it will not work without SPTD (Please consult manufacturer of application for more detailed information).

SPTD is currently supported only on Microsoft OS Windows 2000 and above. SPTD (similar to other access layers) is by default not removed from your system after uninstallation of software application which used SPTD, in order not to disrupt other applications that may use it! This also allows user to avoid reboots in most cases for new installations if same SPTD version is already present on his system.

Q: How can I disable SPTD on my computer to check if it causes problems?

A: If your system has some problems with SPTD installation you can do as follows:

If your system is already running then go to step 2 directly. Otherwise start from step 1.

Step 1.

Boot in safe mode and press ESC key when you see on bottom line of display: "Press ESC to cancel loading SPTD.sys". This will abort loading of SPTD layer.

In dialog that appears press "Uninstall" button and then SPTD will remove itself from your Windows installation.

If you want to install it again then execute same setup and press "Install".

Q: When I install my software application, at the very beginning it tells me to install SPTD Software. Then I selected yes but then there is a popup a window and it says that "Failed to open config key". What is the possible solution?

A: A possible reason for this message might be an antivirus software installed on your PC. Please try to remove SPTD when it is already installed, then reboot in safe mode. Disable antivirus during this installation and then run again software application setup.

If problem is not resolved you may try to remove SPTD and then reboot in safe mode. Disable antivirus and run standalone sptd.sys installer taken from "Downloads" section (x86 or x64 version depending on your OS). Reboot your PC in normal mode and please run again software application setup.

Q: Does SPTD have a silent option on the command line?

A: SPTD now supports silent installation. It is possible to install SPTD silently in this way using a command line:

"SPTDinst-v190-x86.exe add /q"

or:

"SPTDinst-v190-x64.exe add /q"

depending on your OS.

Note: Beginning from version 1.38 SPTD will not display debugger warning dialog anymore. This info left in EULA only as this message confuses many users and also not "silent setup friendly".

Q: Is it recommended to create a new System Restore point before installing SPTD?

A: Beginning from version 1.42 SPTD will automatically create a new System Restore point right before installation of SPTD, so in case of possible problems with your OS you can always return to this restore point.

Note: SPTD will automaticaly create a new System Restore point ONLY if System Restore functionality is enabled in your OS.